June 24 , 2009

Bethlehem University Announces New President

Brother Georges Absi Appointed President of Bethlehem University

Brother Peter Bray, FSC, Bethlehem University’s Vice Chancellor, announced the appointment of Brother Georges Absi as the University’s new President in a letter to the campus community on Wednesday, 17 June 2009.

The President serves as the Vice Chancellor’s representative to the Association of Arab Universities and presides over official University ceremonies.  The University community officially welcomed Brother Georges, who has served on the University’s Board of Trustees since 2003, at its 19 June 2009 graduation ceremony.

Brother Georges is a native of Egypt and is highly respected throughout the Middle East in the educational field.  “He has a deep appreciation for the mission of Bethlehem University”, Brother Peter noted. “He will bring significant competence and commitment to this new responsibility.”

“I am delighted and honored,” Brother Peter continued, “that Brother Georges has accepted the duties of serving as the President of Bethlehem University.”

As a De La Salle Brother, Brother Georges has served as teacher and principal of numerous schools in Egypt and Lebanon. Brother Georges was elected as the Provincial Superior (Brother Visitor) by the Brothers of the Proche Orient, which includes Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Egypt and the Sudan.

The University’s most recent president, His Beatitude Archbishop Fuad Twal, was appointed in March 2006 but stepped down upon his installation as Patriarch of Jerusalem.

“Bethlehem University has been well served and benefited greatly from the leadership and service of our current Patriarch,” said Brother Peter. “May I take this opportunity to thank His Beatitude Archbishop Fuad Twal for his commitment, concern and support for Bethlehem University and its educational mission. His knowledge and experience both in Palestine and internationally have been of great benefit to Bethlehem University and its students and faculty.”

View the list of previous Presidents, as well as Chancellors and Vice Chancellors, here:  http://www.bethlehem.edu/about/Chancellors.shtml